Small, fan‑ to shell‑shaped basidiocarps form layered brackets 1–4 cm across and ≤ 5 mm thick. Upper surface is grey‑white to tan, densely tomentose, often zoned; the underside bears 2–6 radiating folds whose halves split longitudinally and close in dry weather, reopening when re‑hydrated. Margin frequently wavy or lobed. Stalk absent; attachment lateral or central. Flesh tough, cartilaginous. Spore print white. Microscopic features include hyaline, cylindrical basidiospores (3–4 × 1–1.5 µm) and clamp connections. Fruiting bodies develop singly or in imbricate tiers on decaying hardwood; they can desiccate for months and revive repeatedly.
Cap 1–4 cm wide; thickness ≤ 5 mm
Data deficient (Several grams)
Individual fruit body may persist 1–3 yr via repeated desiccation cycles; mycelium potentially decades
Data deficient (tens‑of‑thousands mating types rather than sexes)
Data deficient (tens‑of‑thousands mating types rather than sexes)
Mycelium can fruit within 2–4 wk after colonising suitable wood under tropical humidity
Year‑round; peaks soon after heavy rains followed by drying spells
Spore to mature fruit body ≈ 14–21 d under optimal conditions
Small, fan‑ to shell‑shaped basidiocarps form layered brackets 1–4 cm across and ≤ 5 mm thick. Upper surface is grey‑white to tan, densely tomentose, often zoned; the underside bears 2–6 radiating folds whose halves split longitudinally and close in dry weather, reopening when re‑hydrated. Margin frequently wavy or lobed. Stalk absent; attachment lateral or central. Flesh tough, cartilaginous. Spore print white. Microscopic features include hyaline, cylindrical basidiospores (3–4 × 1–1.5 µm) and clamp connections. Fruiting bodies develop singly or in imbricate tiers on decaying hardwood; they can desiccate for months and revive repeatedly.
Saprobe (occasionally weak parasite) on dead or dying hardwood branches, logs and fence posts from sea level to ~1 900 m; thrives in humid lowland and montane forests, plantations and urban parks.
Decomposer (saprotroph) that breaks down lignocellulose, accelerating nutrient cycling in woodland ecosystems
Shallow coral and rocky reefs, sand flats, seagrass beds and mangrove channels from intertidal pools to ≈ 70 m; in Costa Rica abundant around Isla del Caño, Golfo Dulce, Bahía Culebra, and Caribbean patch reefs of Cahuita.